Read full story at:
http://www.travelpulse.com/world-religious-travel-association-files-for-bankruptcy-protection.html
WRTA’s mission was to shine a spotlight on the religious travel market, make the travel industry aware of a large and powerful market that was not clearly recognized, and help provide a focal point through which the market could grow. Wright told Travel Pulse that he believes the association did succeed in establishing faith-based tourism as a key pillar of the travel industry.
Incorporated in November 2006, WRTA established itself as a recognized voice for the 300 million-traveler-a-year religious tourism and hospitality market. WRTA hosted three World Religious Travel Expos attracting organizations and professionals from more than 30 countries on six continents. The association’s members and partners included travel agents, tour operators, travel wholesalers, ground/incoming operators, cruise lines, destinations, suppliers, trade associations, religious organizations, and group planners.
Feb 8, 2011
Oct 26, 2010
WRTA Debuts Special Offer for World Religious Travel Expo: “Bring Agent/Planner, Both Go For Free”
LEXINGTON, Ky.– The World Religious Travel Association (WRTA) announced its “Bring an Agent/Planner, Both Go for Free” campaign for its upcoming Expo. Travel agents seeking new sources of revenues and clientele, while being mindful of their budgets, can bring a fellow travel agent professional or group planner, such as a religious leader or travel ministry organizer, to the November 13-16 World Religious Travel Expo in Montreal. Both will receive complimentary registration; regular admission for a travel agent or planner is $35.
“We are very excited to roll out this new special offer for Expo buyers and attendees,” said Kevin J. Wright, WRTA president. “The promotional campaign is in response to hearing from many travel agents and planners that finances are their top concern. If we can somehow help alleviate this challenge for them, they’ll then be able to successfully attend the upcoming World Religious Travel Expo.”
Wright views the program as a win-win arrangement. “If a travel agent brings another travel agent or planner, not only do they both go for free, but it also helps WRTA and our Expo by increasing the overall number of qualified attendees for sellers,” Wright said. “Everybody wins in this scenario.”
To take advantage of the special offer by WRTA and the World Religious Travel Expo, the following criteria must be met:
• A sponsoring travel agent must contact WRTA staff and provide registration information for the travel agent(s) or planner(s) he or she wishes to bring to the Expo.
• The travel agents and planners who are accompanying the sponsoring travel agent will be contacted by WRTA to verify their contact information and affiliation with the sponsoring travel agent.
• Once the sponsoring and contact information of all parties is verified by WRTA staff, the registrations will be processed (and Expo registration fees waived).
• The “Bring an Agent/Planner, Both Go For Free” offer is valid ONLY through the pre-registration period, ending on Friday, November 5, 2010. The offer is not valid after November 5, 2010, or on-site in Montreal.
The World Religious Travel Expo is the world’s pre-eminent faith tourism marketplace gathering, with hundreds of professionals and tourism organizations from more than 30 countries in attendance. November’s Expo will be held in conjunction with the NTA Convention for the second consecutive year, providing a combined gathering of 2,000-plus travel professionals and tourism organizations. Through this collaboration with NTA, the leading association for travel professionals, both associations can offer its members opportunities for education, business expansion and networking, along with access to new markets.
For more information about the special offer, contact the World Religious Travel Association by phone at 888.255.WRTA (9782) or +1.859.219.3529 or by e-mail at headquarters(at)WRTAreligioustravel.com. For more information about the WRTA Expo, visit www.WRTAexpo.com. You can also find WRTA and the World Religious Travel Expo on Facebook.
The World Religious Travel Association is the leading global network for the $18 billion faith tourism industry. WRTA's primary purpose is to guide, enrich and expand religious travel and hospitality around the globe. WRTA membership includes travel agents, tour operators, tourism boards, attractions, accommodations, suppliers, media and other organizations involved in tourism. For more information visit www.WRTAreligioustravel.com or www.WRTAexpo.com.
“We are very excited to roll out this new special offer for Expo buyers and attendees,” said Kevin J. Wright, WRTA president. “The promotional campaign is in response to hearing from many travel agents and planners that finances are their top concern. If we can somehow help alleviate this challenge for them, they’ll then be able to successfully attend the upcoming World Religious Travel Expo.”
Wright views the program as a win-win arrangement. “If a travel agent brings another travel agent or planner, not only do they both go for free, but it also helps WRTA and our Expo by increasing the overall number of qualified attendees for sellers,” Wright said. “Everybody wins in this scenario.”
To take advantage of the special offer by WRTA and the World Religious Travel Expo, the following criteria must be met:
• A sponsoring travel agent must contact WRTA staff and provide registration information for the travel agent(s) or planner(s) he or she wishes to bring to the Expo.
• The travel agents and planners who are accompanying the sponsoring travel agent will be contacted by WRTA to verify their contact information and affiliation with the sponsoring travel agent.
• Once the sponsoring and contact information of all parties is verified by WRTA staff, the registrations will be processed (and Expo registration fees waived).
• The “Bring an Agent/Planner, Both Go For Free” offer is valid ONLY through the pre-registration period, ending on Friday, November 5, 2010. The offer is not valid after November 5, 2010, or on-site in Montreal.
The World Religious Travel Expo is the world’s pre-eminent faith tourism marketplace gathering, with hundreds of professionals and tourism organizations from more than 30 countries in attendance. November’s Expo will be held in conjunction with the NTA Convention for the second consecutive year, providing a combined gathering of 2,000-plus travel professionals and tourism organizations. Through this collaboration with NTA, the leading association for travel professionals, both associations can offer its members opportunities for education, business expansion and networking, along with access to new markets.
For more information about the special offer, contact the World Religious Travel Association by phone at 888.255.WRTA (9782) or +1.859.219.3529 or by e-mail at headquarters(at)WRTAreligioustravel.com. For more information about the WRTA Expo, visit www.WRTAexpo.com. You can also find WRTA and the World Religious Travel Expo on Facebook.
The World Religious Travel Association is the leading global network for the $18 billion faith tourism industry. WRTA's primary purpose is to guide, enrich and expand religious travel and hospitality around the globe. WRTA membership includes travel agents, tour operators, tourism boards, attractions, accommodations, suppliers, media and other organizations involved in tourism. For more information visit www.WRTAreligioustravel.com or www.WRTAexpo.com.
Oct 25, 2010
Transform your business with renewed creativity, purpose and focus
Keith Powell, The Business Revivalist, has a mission to educate, facilitate and motivate people to take action. At the 2010 World Religious Travel Expo in Montréal, Keith will share the wisdom gained from his extensive business and personal experiences in a seminar entitled "Igniting the Creative Spark for Your Faith-Based Business." Go to Keith's YouTube Channel http://www.youtube.com/user/CoffeeWithKeith to see some quick video tips, and get a glimpse of what you will see at this year' Expo!
Oct 21, 2010
Note from Torre Ossmo of Faithful Holidays about Montreal and the Expected Growth of Faith Tourism
From the Desk of Torre Ossmo
Vice President & General Manager, Faithful Holidays
Hey, did you see this news story?
http://www.ctv.ca/CTVNews/TopStories/20101017/brother-andre-canonized-101017
This means travel to Montréal is going to be booming soon, especially for religious groups (which is an $18 billion industry!).
I’m heading to the World Religious Travel Expo in Montréal Nov 13-15. It’s just $35 for travel agents, you’ll get one free hotel room night, plus the entertainment is going to be great – 12 Broadway Show acts at just one of the luncheons. Plus there are some great seminars there too.
Best yet.....if you bring a fellow travel agent or religious planner (i.e. religious leader) - BOTH of you receive FREE Expo admission. Can't beat that!
Join me at Expo 2010. You can register here:
Vice President & General Manager, Faithful Holidays
Hey, did you see this news story?
http://www.ctv.ca/CTVNews/TopStories/20101017/brother-andre-canonized-101017
This means travel to Montréal is going to be booming soon, especially for religious groups (which is an $18 billion industry!).
I’m heading to the World Religious Travel Expo in Montréal Nov 13-15. It’s just $35 for travel agents, you’ll get one free hotel room night, plus the entertainment is going to be great – 12 Broadway Show acts at just one of the luncheons. Plus there are some great seminars there too.
Best yet.....if you bring a fellow travel agent or religious planner (i.e. religious leader) - BOTH of you receive FREE Expo admission. Can't beat that!
Join me at Expo 2010. You can register here:
Hope to see you in Montréal soon!
Torre
=================
Torre Ossmo
Vice President & General Manager
Faithful Holidays
1225 Warren Avenue
PO Box 490
Downers Grove, Illinois 60515
630.435.8272
torre@faithfulholidays.com
http://www.faithfulholidays.com/
Faithful Holidays is a division of Mayflower Tours, Inc. Based in the Midwest, Mayflower Tours is in its 31st year of service to the traveling public. Over the years Mayflower recognized a need for a more specialized type of travel – one where all the happiness and excitement of a destination is enhanced by emphasizing attractions and events that reinforce our beliefs.
Faithful Holidays (through its parent Mayflower Tours) is well suited to accomplish this. The company is family-owned and operated. Its employees cumulatively represent hundreds of years of experience in hospitality management. Mayflower posts a $1,000,000 Travelers Assistance bond with the United States Tour Operators Association (USTOA) as sign of good faith that travelers’ monies are secure.
We offer churches, organizations and other affiliated groups the opportunity to travel together to those places that will enhance their beliefs. We also make available to travelers who do not belong to such a group the chance to be with like-minded people.
Clergy and group organizers are encouraged to contact us. Faithful Holidays can enhance the experience of faith-based travel while contributing to the overall well-being and enthusiasm of your spiritual family.
Torre
=================
Torre Ossmo
Vice President & General Manager
Faithful Holidays
1225 Warren Avenue
PO Box 490
Downers Grove, Illinois 60515
630.435.8272
torre@faithfulholidays.com
http://www.faithfulholidays.com/
Faithful Holidays is a division of Mayflower Tours, Inc. Based in the Midwest, Mayflower Tours is in its 31st year of service to the traveling public. Over the years Mayflower recognized a need for a more specialized type of travel – one where all the happiness and excitement of a destination is enhanced by emphasizing attractions and events that reinforce our beliefs.
Faithful Holidays (through its parent Mayflower Tours) is well suited to accomplish this. The company is family-owned and operated. Its employees cumulatively represent hundreds of years of experience in hospitality management. Mayflower posts a $1,000,000 Travelers Assistance bond with the United States Tour Operators Association (USTOA) as sign of good faith that travelers’ monies are secure.
We offer churches, organizations and other affiliated groups the opportunity to travel together to those places that will enhance their beliefs. We also make available to travelers who do not belong to such a group the chance to be with like-minded people.
Clergy and group organizers are encouraged to contact us. Faithful Holidays can enhance the experience of faith-based travel while contributing to the overall well-being and enthusiasm of your spiritual family.
Oct 20, 2010
Expo Buzz Newsletter - Oct 20, 2010
WRTA Expo = Two Shows in One Means Big Savings!
Attending the World Religious Travel Expo in Montréal is more economical than ever. New this year, WRTA delegates will have more access to the NTA (National Tour Association) Annual Convention on Nov. 13-15, including education, networking events and most meals.
For just a $35 registration fee for travel agents and religious travel planners, you get:
• Five complimentary meals
• Reception with open bar
• Live performances from more than 12 Broadway shows
• Access to more than 30 education sessions
• Access to over 100 exhibitors, including over 30 different countries
WRTA Exhibitors NTA Exhibitors
• Complimentary overnight FAM trip to Québec’s National Sanctuaries (for first 50 registrants, if you sign up by Oct. 22)
For more information or to register, contact us at members@wrtareligioustravel.com or call 888-255-WRTA U.S./Canada or +1.859-219-3529.
WRTA President Speaks on Canonization of Brother André
WRTA President Kevin J. Wright was interviewed on CTV News Channel last Sunday as part of the media coverage garnered by the canonization of Brother André Bessette. The Québec monk who founded Montréal's St. Joseph's Oratory was named a saint by Pope Benedict in a ceremony at the Vatican last weekend. Read more here.
CBS Newsmaker to Speak at Expo
Steve Hartman, an Emmy-award-winning correspondent for The CBS Evening News with Katie Couric ("Assignment America"), will open the co-located World Religious Travel Expo and NTA Convention in Montréal at the Opening Ceremony on Sunday, Nov. 14. Full Article.
Top 5 Bragging Rights to Attend Expo 2010 in Montréal
by WRTA President Kevin J. Wright
1. Participate in the largest gathering in faith tourism.
2. Spectacularly enrich your religious travel program and products.
3. Garner wild new success and expanded clientele in 2011.
4. Become an enviable “Who’s Who” in faith tourism and hospitality.
5. Discover Montréal firsthand, an up-and-coming destination in religious tourism.
Bonus!
6. You’ll be seen as the local market expert in faith tourism!
PyroMarketing - A New Way to Think About Marketing
"The era of mass marketing is ending. The promotion of a single product or service to everyone through undifferentiated media reached its peak in the 1960's and its success convinced most marketers it was the only way." (from www.pyromarketing.com). Join Greg Stielstra at the World Religious Travel Expo in Montréal to discover his revolutionary PyroMarketing principles and apply them to your business! Learn more about PyroMarketing by watching this quick video from Creo Productions.
World Religious Travel Expo
Nov. 13 -16, 2010
Palais des congrès de Montréal
(Montréal Convention Center)
Montréal, Québec
For info or to register visit www.WRTAexpo.com
Attending the World Religious Travel Expo in Montréal is more economical than ever. New this year, WRTA delegates will have more access to the NTA (National Tour Association) Annual Convention on Nov. 13-15, including education, networking events and most meals.
For just a $35 registration fee for travel agents and religious travel planners, you get:
• Five complimentary meals
• Reception with open bar
• Live performances from more than 12 Broadway shows
• Access to more than 30 education sessions
• Access to over 100 exhibitors, including over 30 different countries
WRTA Exhibitors NTA Exhibitors
• Complimentary overnight FAM trip to Québec’s National Sanctuaries (for first 50 registrants, if you sign up by Oct. 22)
For more information or to register, contact us at members@wrtareligioustravel.com or call 888-255-WRTA U.S./Canada or +1.859-219-3529.
WRTA President Speaks on Canonization of Brother André
WRTA President Kevin J. Wright was interviewed on CTV News Channel last Sunday as part of the media coverage garnered by the canonization of Brother André Bessette. The Québec monk who founded Montréal's St. Joseph's Oratory was named a saint by Pope Benedict in a ceremony at the Vatican last weekend. Read more here.
CBS Newsmaker to Speak at Expo
Steve Hartman, an Emmy-award-winning correspondent for The CBS Evening News with Katie Couric ("Assignment America"), will open the co-located World Religious Travel Expo and NTA Convention in Montréal at the Opening Ceremony on Sunday, Nov. 14. Full Article.
Top 5 Bragging Rights to Attend Expo 2010 in Montréal
by WRTA President Kevin J. Wright
1. Participate in the largest gathering in faith tourism.
2. Spectacularly enrich your religious travel program and products.
3. Garner wild new success and expanded clientele in 2011.
4. Become an enviable “Who’s Who” in faith tourism and hospitality.
5. Discover Montréal firsthand, an up-and-coming destination in religious tourism.
Bonus!
6. You’ll be seen as the local market expert in faith tourism!
PyroMarketing - A New Way to Think About Marketing
"The era of mass marketing is ending. The promotion of a single product or service to everyone through undifferentiated media reached its peak in the 1960's and its success convinced most marketers it was the only way." (from www.pyromarketing.com). Join Greg Stielstra at the World Religious Travel Expo in Montréal to discover his revolutionary PyroMarketing principles and apply them to your business! Learn more about PyroMarketing by watching this quick video from Creo Productions.
World Religious Travel Expo
Nov. 13 -16, 2010
Palais des congrès de Montréal
(Montréal Convention Center)
Montréal, Québec
For info or to register visit www.WRTAexpo.com
Oct 19, 2010
SPECIAL EXPO OFFER: BRING AN AGENT OR PLANNER; BOTH GO FOR FREE!!!
HURRY!!!
Pre-register for the World Religious Travel Expo by October 27 and bring a fellow travel agent or travel planner - AND you both get a FREE registration!
To register or for more info, visit www.WRTAexpo.com or call 859-219-3529.
Pre-register for the World Religious Travel Expo by October 27 and bring a fellow travel agent or travel planner - AND you both get a FREE registration!
To register or for more info, visit www.WRTAexpo.com or call 859-219-3529.
Oct 18, 2010
Wright’s Interview on CTV News Channel Regarding Brother Andre's Canonization as Canadian Saint
Here's the link to the article featuring my interview on CTV News Channel (Canada):
Read full story here: http://ottawa.ctv.ca/servlet/an/local/CTVNews/20101017/brother-andre-canonized-101017/20101017/?hub=OttawaHome
Selections of article:
His elevation to sainthood will carry some worldly benefits for St. Andre's hometown, according to Kevin Wright, the president of the U.S.-based world religious travel association.
"When an individual is declared a saint, their shrines attract significant numbers of visitors," Wright told CTV News Channel. "And we're going to see that in Montreal."
He said that while the oratory that St. Andre founded is not as big a draw as sites like the French shrine at Lourdes, it already attracts an estimated one million pilgrims a year.
And Wright said that St. Andre's sanctification will only boost those numbers.
"Over the next couple of years we could see that double and get up to three, four or even five million people. And that's incredible."
Prime Minister Stephen Harper said in a statement that the newly canonized St. Andre was "a great Canadian."
"Brother Andre's canonization is an important inspiration to us all, and the Oratory will continue to serve as a central landmark of spiritual strength and faith for Quebecers and all Canadians."
"Brother Andre's canonization is an important inspiration to us all, and the Oratory will continue to serve as a central landmark of spiritual strength and faith for Quebecers and all Canadians."
Read full story here: http://ottawa.ctv.ca/servlet/an/local/CTVNews/20101017/brother-andre-canonized-101017/20101017/?hub=OttawaHome
Selections of article:
His elevation to sainthood will carry some worldly benefits for St. Andre's hometown, according to Kevin Wright, the president of the U.S.-based world religious travel association.
"When an individual is declared a saint, their shrines attract significant numbers of visitors," Wright told CTV News Channel. "And we're going to see that in Montreal."
He said that while the oratory that St. Andre founded is not as big a draw as sites like the French shrine at Lourdes, it already attracts an estimated one million pilgrims a year.
And Wright said that St. Andre's sanctification will only boost those numbers.
"Over the next couple of years we could see that double and get up to three, four or even five million people. And that's incredible."
Prime Minister Stephen Harper said in a statement that the newly canonized St. Andre was "a great Canadian."
"Brother Andre's canonization is an important inspiration to us all, and the Oratory will continue to serve as a central landmark of spiritual strength and faith for Quebecers and all Canadians."
"Brother Andre's canonization is an important inspiration to us all, and the Oratory will continue to serve as a central landmark of spiritual strength and faith for Quebecers and all Canadians."
Oct 17, 2010
Kanon Cultural Tours invites you to World Religious Travel Expo
THE 2010 WORLD RELIGIOUS TRAVEL EXPO
November 13 – 16 in Montreal, Canada
The World Religious Travel Expo is the largest annual gathering of its kind in the industry.
The Expo has become ‘the place to be’ for any organization or travel professional that wishes to buy, sell, and network in the religious marketplace.
Kanon Cultural Tours* will attend the 2010 WRTA Expo in Montreal, Canada and will present the newest product in religious tours in Greece, Turkey and the Mediterranean.
The route of St Paul in Greece.
The route of St Paul in Turkey.
The route of St Paul in Syria & Cyprus.
The Holy Land.
Mt Athos monastic state.
The religious monuments in Greece.
Land of Saints and Martyrs.
The holy island of Tinos.
The holy island of Patmos & the Revelation.
Miraculous icons and other holy objects.
We’ll be happy to see you there and discuss our new itineraries.
Please check the attachment.
Best regards
The Kanon* team
*ΚΑΝΩΝ (English: kanon or canon, pronounced: kanɔ’:n ).
Rule, norm, general principle, model, paradigm, the Holy Scripture.
Canon[s] may refer to:
The body of canonical legislation of the Church.
The Biblical canon.
Canon (hymnography).
Canon of the Mass.
Canon (music).
Aesthetic canon.
Canon law.
KANON CULTURAL TOURS & EXPEDITIONS
P.P. GERMANOU 22
THESSALONIKI 54622
GREECE
PHONE: +30 231 0237066 & +30 231 0274045
FAX: +30 231 0263334
EMAIL: info@kanon.gr
WEBSITE: http://www.kanon.gr/
November 13 – 16 in Montreal, Canada
The World Religious Travel Expo is the largest annual gathering of its kind in the industry.
The Expo has become ‘the place to be’ for any organization or travel professional that wishes to buy, sell, and network in the religious marketplace.
Kanon Cultural Tours* will attend the 2010 WRTA Expo in Montreal, Canada and will present the newest product in religious tours in Greece, Turkey and the Mediterranean.
The route of St Paul in Greece.
The route of St Paul in Turkey.
The route of St Paul in Syria & Cyprus.
The Holy Land.
Mt Athos monastic state.
The religious monuments in Greece.
Land of Saints and Martyrs.
The holy island of Tinos.
The holy island of Patmos & the Revelation.
Miraculous icons and other holy objects.
We’ll be happy to see you there and discuss our new itineraries.
Please check the attachment.
Best regards
The Kanon* team
*ΚΑΝΩΝ (English: kanon or canon, pronounced: kanɔ’:n ).
Rule, norm, general principle, model, paradigm, the Holy Scripture.
Canon[s] may refer to:
The body of canonical legislation of the Church.
The Biblical canon.
Canon (hymnography).
Canon of the Mass.
Canon (music).
Aesthetic canon.
Canon law.
KANON CULTURAL TOURS & EXPEDITIONS
P.P. GERMANOU 22
THESSALONIKI 54622
GREECE
PHONE: +30 231 0237066 & +30 231 0274045
FAX: +30 231 0263334
EMAIL: info@kanon.gr
WEBSITE: http://www.kanon.gr/
Oct 13, 2010
CBS Newsmaker to Open Co-Located WRTA/NTA Event
Steve Hartman, correspondent for The CBS Evening News with Katie Couric ("Assignment America"), will open the co-located World Religious Travel Expo and NTA Convention in Montreal at the Opening Ceremony on Sunday, Nov. 14. Hartman is best known for his series of news reports, "Everybody in the World Has a Story," which have earned him several major journalism awards, including an Emmy, a Columbia Journalism DuPont award, and four Edward R. Murrow awards.
Full Article
http://www.ntaonline.com/articles/index.cfm?action=view&articleID=2147§ionID=32
Full Article
http://www.ntaonline.com/articles/index.cfm?action=view&articleID=2147§ionID=32
Oct 12, 2010
Broadway is Coming to Montréal!
Where can you get lunch and 12 live Broadway performances free?
Only at the World Religious Travel Expo & Educational Conference in Montréal. Broadway.com/Groups is hosting the luncheon for delegates on Monday, Nov. 15, and the luncheon is just part of the incredible experience. Registration is just $35. Visit www.WRTAexpo.com to register today and reserve your spot!
Only at the World Religious Travel Expo & Educational Conference in Montréal. Broadway.com/Groups is hosting the luncheon for delegates on Monday, Nov. 15, and the luncheon is just part of the incredible experience. Registration is just $35. Visit www.WRTAexpo.com to register today and reserve your spot!
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